Criminal Law

Being accused of a crime can have a devastating effect on your life. It can cause damage to your reputation, and have an overwhelming effect on your finances, and family. Whether you've been charged with a felony, misdemeanor, DWI, drug offense, cyber or white collar crime, it is important to have legal representation who can protect your rights during this difficult time as well as save you time and money.

DUI and DWI

Put an Experienced DWI Attorney on Your Side

A DWI offense, driving while intoxicated, refers to operating a motor vehicle while above the legal limit of intoxication. Throughout the United States, the legal limit of intoxication for drivers is 0.08%.

In the state of New York, however, an individual can still be arrested and charged with a DWI offense even if their blood-alcohol concentration level (BAC) is below the legal limit. This offense is known as a driving while ability impaired offense (DWAI). A DWAI means that the driver's BAC is between 0.05 and 0.07 percent, or there is other evidence that the driver is impaired.

Drug/Narcotics Crimes

The amount and type of drug you are accused of possessing, selling, trafficking or intending to sell is a substantial factor when the court determines the type of penalty that you might face. Drug crime convictions can result in a wide range of penalties, including:

Cyber Crimes

As the technology continues to advance, cyber-crime, also known as internet crime or computer crime, is becoming more prevalent means of violating the rights of individuals both here in the United States and abroad. Sensitive information like financial information, credit information, and even one's social security information can now be accessed with the click of a mouse anywhere. Because of the widespread and random nature of then, cyber-crimes have a tendency to go undetected from a great period of time.

White Collar Crimes

White collar crime generally refers to any non-violent criminal act that is carried out with the intention of unlawful financial gain. Typically, the commission of a white collar crime is related to business, finance or politics. However, white collar crimes are not strictly limited to individuals working within white collar industries. White collar crime includes a wide array of criminal acts under the law.

Felony Crimes

Felonies carry jail times of at least one year and in many cases, substantially greater terms of incarceration. At the most severe level of felony classification, Class A, the maximum penalty can be life in prison without parole or the death penalty. In addition to a jail sentence that could be for an extended period of time, individuals convicted of a felony offense may also face:

• Loss of professional licenses or permits
• Loss of the ability to run for public office
• Loss of the right to own a firearm
• Loss of the right to vote
• Seven-year suspension from serving on jury duty

Misdemeanors

In the state of New York, a misdemeanor is a criminal act that is punished by a jail sentence of less than one year. While penalties for a misdemeanor are not as harsh as those for a felony, being convicted of any crime can have a serious effect on a person's ability to obtain employment or maintain a stable personal life.

Juvenile Delinquency

Children between the ages of 7 and 16, who have committed an act that would be considered a crime if committed by an adult are considered by New York State courts to be juvenile delinquents. Children under the age of 16 are considered to not yet have the competency to make decisions that would warrant the same punishment as an adult. A juvenile has the same constitutional rights as an adult does upon arrest and throughout court proceedings. A parent or guardian is responsible for providing legal guidance by hiring an attorney. If the parent or guardian of the child cannot afford an attorney, the court will appoint one to represent the child. However, a juvenile must also be accompanied by a parent or legal guardian during police questioning and interviews with a probation officer.

Domestic Violence

Domestic violence is an extremely serious offense but can also be a very complicated matter in terms of taking legal action. Often times, these cases can escalate to the point that a spouse is fearful for his or her life and that of his or her children. The first thing a victim of domestic violence should do is call the police. Once the violence is reported, police will help you find a safe place to reside, away from the abuser; inform you of the processes of obtaining an order of protection, child support, custody, or visitation; help you and your children receive necessary medical treatment; obtain belongings from your home; and guide you through filing a complaint.

Why Do I Need a Lawyer?

Due to the complex nature of the legal system, even the most intelligent person would have a difficult time representing him or herself. Each case is unique and an experienced attorney is necessary to assist you in maneuvering this system and understand how to approach your particular case. If you do not know which steps to take in proceeding with your matter or if you initially take the wrong steps, an attorney will know how to guide you in the right direction, saving you precious time and money.

Do I need an attorney?

Whether you need a New York divorce lawyer, a criminal defense lawyer, a school suspension lawyer, a child criminal lawyer, or a compassionate child custody attorney, the attorneys at Larry McCord and Associates are on your side. We understand just how frustrating the legal process can be, and we will lend our expertise and knowledge to guide you throughout the entire process. Having a lawyer is vital if you want the best chance of success at winning your case. If you try to represent yourself without any assistance, then you could run into costly mistakes that could be avoided with competent legal counsel on your side.

Contact Larry McCord and Associates

Attorney Advertising: This website is meant for informational purposes only and should not be construed as formal legal advice. For advice regarding your specific situation please request a consultation with one of our attorneys. Prior results do not guarantee similar outcomes.